Tickets for the outdoor celebration of Michigan craft beer, to be held from 1-6 p.m. Feb. 25 at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, near Grand Rapids, went on sale at midnight. As of 11 a.m. today, 561 tickets had been sold, according to the guild's executive director Scott Graham.

That's about three times the number sold after Day 1 of ticket sales last year and the highest in the festival's history, Graham said. There are around 6,000 tickets available for the event.

Last year's festival sold out. Scott Newman-Bale, of Short's Brewing Co. and a board member with the guild, said it could sell out before Christmas.

The Winter Beer Festival is expected to have more than 300 beers from about 50 breweries, including some first time participants, Graham said.

Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 the day of the event, if they're not sold out by then. To buy tickets, go to the Michigan Brewers Guild website. Admission includes 15 tasting tokens. Each token is good for a 3-ounce pour.